History

Take a journey into the past and explore what it means for our present and future. Discover epoch-making developments from histories around the world.

Explore the histories of Britain, Europe, the United States and other parts of the world from 1500 onwards. Encounter major historical figures and explore epoch-making transitions in human experience like imperialism, industrialisation, revolutions and new technology.

At the same time, you’ll study the history of everyday life, including changes in the home, consumerism and popular culture, exploring the connections between developments at national and international levels, and the experiences of ordinary people.

Build skills that take you into the world of work, including research and data analysis

Learn to communicate using different formats, from the printed page to podcasts, webpages and exhibitions

Carry out research in Cambridge’s museums and archives and go on European field trips

Learn from trained historians with an international reputation for the work they publish

Attend talks by leading historians and other experts

Take a placement year, or seek a placement alongside your studies, and solve real-world challenges through live briefs set by local employers

Careers

On this course, you'll build up skills valued by employers, such as critical thinking and complex problem solving.

You’ll receive training in research and data analysis, learning how to gain the most from sources and communicate your research using formats from the printed page through to podcasts, webpages and exhibitions.

You’ll also gain access to museums and archives where you'll meet professionals working in the field, and take part in live briefs for partner organisations.

Our recent History graduates now work in the Civil Service, museums and archives, the police, the armed forces, teaching at all levels, business, administration, and the media, as well as other rewarding and enjoyable jobs.

Charles Redwood is a Senior Aviation Analyst and Forecaster for Jane’s, while Daisy Murray-Smith is a Records Officer with Surrey Police.

But you might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MA History or MA International Relations. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Teaching

In Year 1 you’ll study early modern Britain and Europe, how history links to modern news stories, and the development of the USA.

You’ll also access Cambridge museums and archives as you start to work as a historian.

In Year 2 you’ll explore nineteenth- and twentieth-century Britain, and political and social change in Britain and Europe, and choose from our range of optional modules.

Finally, you’ll complete a major piece of research on a topic of your choice, as well as considering gender and sexuality in modern Britain, and learning methods to communicate your research.

*=optional.

Year 1: The Growth of the USA: Race, Politics and Conflict, 1776-1900; Faiths and Fury: The Early Modern Age in Britain and the Western World; A History of Now; Writing European History; Into ARU.

Year 2: Britain in the 19th century; Welfare State to European State: Britain 1906-1975; From World War to Cold War; Ruskin Module; The British Empire 1783-1919 *; The United States in the 20th Century *; Hanging, Prisons and Community Service: Crime and Punishment in Britain throughout the Ages *; Professional Placement *; Battles Barricades and Ideas - Historians and Europe's Age of Revolution *; Leisure and Popular Culture in Britain, 1800 to the Present *; Anglia Language Programme *.

Year 3: Undergraduate Major Project - History; From Workhouses to Universal Credit: The Past, Present and Future of the British Welfare State; Victorian London; The Making of Modern Media; The Era of Thatcher and Blair *; From Communism to Consumerism: Russia since 1917 *; Hitler to the Hashtag: Political Communication in Peace and War *; A Global History of Government and Society, 1945-1999 *; Gender and Sexuality in Britain: 1880-2000 *; Anglia Language Programme *; Philosophy of Education *.

Our History degree has a strong focus on employability and your future career, and that’s mirrored in our approach to assessment. You’ll get hands-on with historical research and develop your professional skills so, as well as exams and essays, we’ll be looking at your field trip reports, internet search reports, document analyses, case studies, book reviews and geography tests.

Assessment is ongoing so you can be sure you’re receiving structured, insightful feedback throughout your degree course.